The Economic Value of Women’s Contribution: Bridging the Gender Gap in Development

Description

Page: 481-486

Komal (Department of Economics, Government P.G. College, Hisar, Haryana)

Women entrepreneurship is a critical driver of inclusive growth, employment generation, and empowerment. This paper examines major government-led initiatives in India between 2021 and 2024 aimed at enhancing women’s participation in entrepreneurial activities. Drawing on official data from the Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade, the Ministry of Food Processing Industries, and the Ministry of Tribal Affairs, the study highlights achievements in capacity building, funding access, and sector-specific support. Notable findings include the training of over 32,000 women under the SANKALP programme, allocation of dedicated funds for women-led start-ups, and targeted schemes benefiting marginalized and tribal women entrepreneurs. The paper situates these initiatives within the broader context of women’s development, emphasizing its bi-directional relationship with economic growth through improvements in education, earning opportunities, health, political participation, and rights. It further analyses how secondary education, female labour force participation, and active population growth influence the Human Development Index (HDI). The discussion critically examines how dominant economic paradigms often render women’s work invisible and considers the implications of globalization for women in development. Tracing the evolution of policy approaches from ‘welfare’ to ’empowerment’, the paper underscores the need for integrated, multi-sectoral strategies to achieve sustainable, gender-inclusive development.